The United States Department of State has announced the revocation and denial of visas for officials representing the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and the Palestinian Authority (PA). This decision, made ahead of the September 2025 United Nations General Assembly, stems from the U.S. government's assertion that the PA and PLO have failed to meet their commitments and have undermined prospects for peace.
The move, confirmed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, targets Palestinian officials intending to participate in the annual global summit in New York. While specific individuals were not named, the restrictions raise significant questions about the potential attendance of PA President Mahmoud Abbas, who traditionally addresses the assembly. The State Department stated that the PA's Mission to the UN would receive waivers, adhering to the UN Headquarters Agreement, ensuring their operational presence.
This action follows earlier U.S. sanctions imposed in July 2025 on PA and PLO members for similar reasons. The U.S. justification for the visa revocations includes the need to hold these Palestinian bodies accountable and to avoid rewarding actions perceived as counterproductive to peace, such as pursuing unilateral state recognition and engaging in international legal challenges against Israel. The administration has indicated a willingness to re-engage if concrete steps are taken to repudiate terrorism and end incitement.
The decision has drawn criticism, with some analysts suggesting it violates diplomatic protocol and is ideologically driven, aiming to sideline the Palestinian movement internationally. The Palestinian Authority presidency expressed deep regret and astonishment, calling the decision a contradiction to international law and the UN Headquarters Agreement. They have urged the U.S. to reconsider and reverse the decision, reaffirming Palestine's commitment to international law and UN resolutions.
Historically, visa issues for Palestinian delegates have caused diplomatic friction. In 1988, the U.S. refusal to grant a visa to PLO Chairman Yasser Arafat led to the UN General Assembly convening part of its session in Geneva. This current action occurs as several Western nations, including Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and France, are reportedly preparing to recognize a Palestinian state during the upcoming assembly, adding another layer of complexity to the ongoing diplomatic landscape.